Three Came to Kill

Three Came to Kill is an enthralling crime thriller from legendary Hollywood low-budget filmmaker and screenwriter Edward L. Cahn, released in 1960. This riveting feature film stars veteran actors Cameron Mitchell, John Lupton, and Steve Brodie in crucial roles. The film is a seesaw of thrills, suspense, and hard-boiled crime drama as ideal for genre aficionados, especially those interested in the classic era of Hollywood noir and crime cinema.

The movie wastes no time introducing audiences to the three lead characters, portrayed by Mitchell, Lupton, and Brodie, who are culprits plotting an audacious crime. In particular, Cameron Mitchell, known for his hard-hitting roles in films like Carousel and My Favorite Year, delivers an outstanding performance as the sinister and cold-blooded chief of the trio. Meanwhile, John Lupton and Steve Brodie are credible as Mitchell's accomplices, who are reluctantly bound by their past misdemeanors and desperation.

The plot of Three Came to Kill centers around the malicious plan of three international criminals who have a shared history together. The sinister trio is on a mission to assassinate a well-guarded foreign diplomat, the identity of which is a closely protected secret. To pull off their daring operation, they hijack a local suburban house, taking the occupants hostage. It's an intense battle of wits and wills in the captivating microcosm of the hostage home.

Cameron Mitchell's character meticulously strategizes and maintains control over the situation despite the rising tension and looming threat of law enforcement closing in. He exercises a cruel, calculating logic while keeping the hostages and his less experienced associates under his sway. As they're trapped together in the confined and claustrophobic space, conflicts arise, alliances shift, and the threat of deadly violence mounts.

John Lupton and Steve Brodie's characters bring an added angle to the dynamics with their hesitations and reluctances playing a crucial role throughout the plot. Their uneasy alliance with Mitchell's character is a subplot on its own, creating a complex triangle of guilt, desperation, and rebellion. Their multidimensional characters provide an emotionally resonant element to this action-loaded crime drama, adding a human angle to the otherwise ruthless and unforgiving narrative.

The movie successfully builds up suspense and maintains a gripping pace throughout, keeping the audience on their toes. While the main plot primarily deals with the cat-and-mouse game between the criminals and the police, there is also a subplot involving the hostages who desperately try to devise escape plans and send signals for help.

The film is bolstered by an atmospheric soundtrack reminiscent of the era’s thriller genre, while the competent cinematography effectively captures the tension and unpredictability of the situation. Director Edward L. Cahn demonstrates his command over storytelling through the well-constructed narrative, gripping performances, and an efficient handling of budgetary constraints.

Three Came to Kill showcases the moral dilemmas and psychological complexities of the characters, adding depth to this tension-filled crime drama. Despite being a film of the early sixties, the solid performances by the lead characters and the compelling narrative make it a timeless piece of cinema.

In its essence, Three Came to Kill is a committed display of character study in the backdrop of a high-stakes crime—a story of human vulnerabilities, moral ambiguities, and the indomitable will to survive. The viewers are given an immersive experience of a nerve-wracking situation where every second count and one misstep carries fatal consequences.

To sum it up, Three Came to Kill is a classic crime thriller that brings together a taut narration, intriguing character dynamics, and stellar performances under the proficient direction of Edward L. Cahn. It is a captivating exploration of dark human emotions, interlaced with suspense and the urgency of survival. For those inclined towards classic crime dramas and noir cinema, this film is a hidden gem worth discovering.